Union Station
Union Station
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsPublic Transportation Systems
4:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Monday
4:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Tuesday
4:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Wednesday
4:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Thursday
4:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Friday
4:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Saturday
4:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Sunday
4:00 AM - 1:00 AM
About
Los Angeles Union Station is the main railroad station in Los Angeles, California, and the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western US. Union Station is a major transportation hub for Southern California, serving almost 110,000 passengers a day. The station is the hub of the Amtrak's California regional routes, Amtrak's long distance trains, Metrolink commuter trains, several Metro Rail subway and light rail lines, buses and coach services. History: Established in 1939. Built in 1939, Union Station combines Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, Mission Revival and Streamline Moderne styles. The architecture team included John and Donald Parkinson who also designed Los Angeles City Hall and other city landmarks. Originally intended as a transcontinental terminus station for the Union Pacific, Santa Fe and Southern Pacific Railways, the station was a major hub for troop movement during World War II. The station's historic 161,000 square foot terminal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and the station was restored in 1992. Beginning in the 1970s, growing use of Amtrak and expansion of local and regional rail revitalized the station as a major transportation hub of Southern California. Metro acquired the station in 2011, managing the property that currently serves as a transportation hub for Metro, Metrolink, Amtrak and other transportation services as well an urban mixed-use development site.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Central L.A
How to get there
- Union Station • 0 min walk
- Little Tokyo/Arts District • 9 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,854 reviews
Excellent
864
Very good
757
Average
183
Poor
26
Terrible
24
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Declan H
London, UK36 contributions
Oct 2019
Regular visitor to LA but my last visit was the first time I ever went to Union Station, traffic surrounding it was extremely busy and I was surprised to see how big the homeless community was surrounding it.
The station itself is beautiful inside. There's a few refreshment options which was convenient before boarding our train. Only problem I found with the station itself is that there's a lack of screens showing what platform your train is departing from which resulted in having to locate a member of staff (which proved difficult in itself) to ask where to go.
The station itself is beautiful inside. There's a few refreshment options which was convenient before boarding our train. Only problem I found with the station itself is that there's a lack of screens showing what platform your train is departing from which resulted in having to locate a member of staff (which proved difficult in itself) to ask where to go.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eoftcl
Diamond Bar, CA30 contributions
Oct 2020
Historical/architectural was the purpose of my visit, Ok to place to visit, but not as fantastic as other reviewer claim. I had visited Union Stations in NYC, Washington DC, Cincinnati, etc. LA Union Station does not measure up to those. Nothing wrong with it, maybe my expectation was too high. Very quite, not many passengers., maybe due to Corvid. Also the historical ticket counters were rope off for voting.
Parking lot is small, make sure you pre-pay before heading off to the gate. we were stuck behind someone that didn't know the system. A bunch of cars had to back up to allow this car to back up so they can go back in and pay. Honest mistakes but not easy to back up several cars because the one further back couldn't see the issue was.
Parking lot is small, make sure you pre-pay before heading off to the gate. we were stuck behind someone that didn't know the system. A bunch of cars had to back up to allow this car to back up so they can go back in and pay. Honest mistakes but not easy to back up several cars because the one further back couldn't see the issue was.
Written 2 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charmain D
Charlotte, NC2,420 contributions
Jan 2020
In LA to go to the Rose Parade we took the Metro from Union Station. There were a few helpful station attendants on our way to the parade but in the evening there were few people to give out information on which trains to take to and from the Staples center. The yellow line did take us to the Parade and we only had to walk a few blocks to Colorado Blvd. The trains are clean and the seats though small are comfortable. The station itself is typical of most train stations. The information booth was closed. My guess is this was because it was New Years Day. The station is clean. The bathrooms are typical to those in a train station. There are a few eateries in the station.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoVols79
Chattanooga, TN3,985 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We visited Los Angeles Union Station when we took the Metro light rail train into Pasadena to see the 2023 Rose Parade. We parked in the East garage which offers all day parking for $8 and were on the platform shortly after 5 am. This gave us more than enough time to arrive in Pasadena and avoided crowds. We paid our fares by saving a Tap card to our phones which was a very smooth process. The train coming back to the station was completely packed which was an adventure but it still worked out well. Upon returning we took some time to look around the station and enjoyed seeing the terminal. Everything was easy to find and our trip went well.
Written 21 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
111FMT
5 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The exterior appearance of the station is striking, and it really evokes an earlier and more gracious era of travel. The whole station is beautiful, interior as well, in terms of preservation of historic architectural details and I enjoyed seeing the painted ceilings, and coloured tiles on the floor and bases of the columns as we walked through the station .
We arrived in the morning to catch the Amtrak Coast Starlight train to Seattle, needing to drop off a rental car at the station before heading to our train. My preference would have been to drop it off the previous day, but the rental location at the station closed at 5pm.
The location of the rental car drop off area was not well signed at all and it took a couple of passes around the station to find someone who could direct us (to a closed gate, which had to be opened for us, leading to the basement of the station). Once that was accomplished, it took only minutes to walk inside the station and to an Information desk where staff were helpful in directing us.
Since we were sleeper passengers, we proceeded to a lounge on the second floor where our tickets were checked and then soon we were guided to the correct track and boarding area (where our assigned car would be stopping) to wait for our train to arrive. It was well organized and if help with luggage was needed, that was available. The lounge was small but quite comfortable, with an area for luggage to be stored, and free beverages (coffee, tea, juice, soft drinks) and snacks (chips etc), as well as a television. The lounge wasn't particularly attractive or luxurious but it was a quieter and nicer place to wait than the more bustling main floor of the station.
We arrived in the morning to catch the Amtrak Coast Starlight train to Seattle, needing to drop off a rental car at the station before heading to our train. My preference would have been to drop it off the previous day, but the rental location at the station closed at 5pm.
The location of the rental car drop off area was not well signed at all and it took a couple of passes around the station to find someone who could direct us (to a closed gate, which had to be opened for us, leading to the basement of the station). Once that was accomplished, it took only minutes to walk inside the station and to an Information desk where staff were helpful in directing us.
Since we were sleeper passengers, we proceeded to a lounge on the second floor where our tickets were checked and then soon we were guided to the correct track and boarding area (where our assigned car would be stopping) to wait for our train to arrive. It was well organized and if help with luggage was needed, that was available. The lounge was small but quite comfortable, with an area for luggage to be stored, and free beverages (coffee, tea, juice, soft drinks) and snacks (chips etc), as well as a television. The lounge wasn't particularly attractive or luxurious but it was a quieter and nicer place to wait than the more bustling main floor of the station.
Written 15 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanitaJo
Los Angeles, CA47 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
I absolutely love ❤️ this station! This station had Starbucks, Subway, Coffee Shop, Salad Shop, Convenient store, Baskin Robins, and a few restaurants. It also has every mode of transportation. The Megabus, Metro link, Flixbus, Amtrak, Metro bus, subway rail. Plus buses to USC, LAX, and transportation to various sporting events. Only down side is the sitting area is crowded and pigeons fly around unless you have a Amtrak/Metro link ticket 🎫 then you can sit in the nice seats at the main entrance.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cristina S
2 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
Third world country experience. Umm.. even worse. The bus is late one hour and when asked why the delay the answer was, it’s a bus. The board, I asked about the board showing that my bus is on time, and the answer was the same, ‘it’s just a board’. At this point I’m speechless… Are we in LA, CA or in remote village somewhere in a third world country?!! No charging stations, NO PLUGS. They’re all COVERED. The toilets.. I can’t even describe the state of those.. if I were to post pictures and record the conversation I had with an Amtrak employee, it would go viral. Unless your life depends on it, stay away from this place, especially during night time. The train ride is nice, but boy oh boy….what a joke this place is. Whoever runs this place, should be ashamed
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicdelaflor
Buenos Aires, Argentina504 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
A jewel . It is a beautiful, well-preserved place that is worth visiting, in addition to being the most important transportation center in the city, which allows you to connect with many other places by train or metro.
Located in one of the most beautiful and quiet neighborhoods in Lax, it is worth going to see it and explore its surroundings, where there are several important buildings.
Located in one of the most beautiful and quiet neighborhoods in Lax, it is worth going to see it and explore its surroundings, where there are several important buildings.
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maldenmusic
Malden, MO2,465 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This transportation center has a little of everything. We had an hours long Amtrak layover and enjoyed the helpful staff and beautiful surroundings, especially the Christmas trees. Several restaurants, some shopping and it seemed very clean as far as public buildings go
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,657 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Union Station is a station for inter-city trains. The station is built in Mission Revival style, an historic style typical of Los Angeles. The station was completed in 1939, a high point of Californian progress. Union Station is a high point of pre-war construction.
Written 2 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am handicapped and I need assistance to get to the front of Union station for an Uber, I’m coming from Perris Ca arriving at 10am today.
Written 25 May 2024
Hi. I will be coming via bus to LA Union Station at 10 pm and will have to wait for 2 hours for the next bus at 12 in the night.
Where should i wait? What is the situation around the bus stops during these late hours?
Can someone guide me.
Thanks.
Written 10 August 2023
Where is the car rental return? There is a sign at the entrance that says to go left, but that is it.
Written 14 October 2022
I'm answering my own question since I found out myself. You go left as you enter from and circle around the end of the building towards a ramp. at the base og th ramp is a yellow barricade/gate where a security guard is stationed Tell the guard you are returning a rent car and they will open the gate and instruct you to take the car to the underground garage.
There is no elevator. You can either haul hour bags up the stairs to the terminal or go up the parking ramp and back around to the station entrance.
If i ever do this again I will drop my bags off at the curb before returning the car.
Written 3 November 2022
Where do you enter from to the Union Station East parking? I'm gone for more than 3 days (less than 30). Where do I get the special permit form? Thank you.
Written 23 September 2022
I'd like to park a car at Union Station for 7 days while on a train trip. Is there a special form I need to fill out? Where do I get it?
Written 3 April 2022
Hello
There is a form you can download and print. It has the information you need.
Go to union station, los Angeles website.
Click on "parking", the info and download is there.
Written 4 April 2022
On Friday evening I’m sending my teen grandson from Los Angeles to a southern metro station. I want to walk him inside and be sure he gets on the train. How much is parking for approx 30 minutes?
Written 22 February 2022
Thanks for your informative note about Union Station in Los Angeles. May I ask if you think I would be allowed to wait inside the station between 1am-4am (when theoretically "closed") because I am worried about my 10pm train being late, causing me to miss my 12:30am bus, in which case I'll have to overnight there and take the next bus at 6am. Last time I was on this train, it was FOUR hours late!
Thanks very much for your help!
Written 24 January 2020
I would contact AMTRAK and inquire about what provisions the station would provide should the train inbound cause a missed connection. If they'd let you stay in the Metropolitan Lounge, couches in there along with lots of snacks and it's own dedicated rest rooms would be very comfortable.
Written 28 January 2020
I want to take the train from San Diego to Union Station but then have to go to Culver City, besides Uber, because it's about another hour to Culver City and will be expensive, is there another train I can get to that will take me to Culver City or any other suggestions? Thanks!
Written 9 November 2019
There are 7 ways to get from Union Station to Culver City by subway, tram, bus, taxi, car or towncar
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.
Recommended option
Subway, tram • 47 min
Take the subway from Union Station - Metro Red & Purple Lines to 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro Red & Purple Lines
Metro Red Line / ...
Take the tram from 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro Blue & Expo Lines to Culver City Station
Metro E Line
$4
Cheapest option
Bus • 48 min
Take the bus from Temple & Los Angeles to Culver Blvd. & Duquesne Ave.
Commuter Express 437
$1 - $3
5 alternative options
Line 733 bus via Cesar E Chavez / Alameda • 1h 2m
Take the line 733 bus from Cesar E Chavez / Alameda to Venice / Bagley
33 / ...
$1 - $3
Line 733 bus • 1h 8m
Take the line 733 bus from Patsaouras Transit Plaza to Venice / Bagley
33 / ...
$1 - $3
Taxi • 25 min
Take a taxi from Union Station to Culver City
24.9 miles
$130 - $160
Drive • 25 min
Drive from Union Station to Culver City
24.9 miles
$2 - $4
Uber • 25 min
Take an Uber from Union Station to Culver City
24.9 miles
Written 10 November 2019
I wondered if I can park a car mid-day on a Saturday and pick up on Tuesday night. So 3-4 days. What is your advice?
Written 2 October 2019
There is overnight parking, but not in all lots. Go online to research which lots you can park in.
Written 3 October 2019
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